Who we are
The Association for Freestanding Birth Centres and Alongside Midwifery Units (APODAC) brings together professionals and members of the public, organisations and individuals who support the development of freestanding birth centres and Alongside Midwifery Units (AMUs) in the Czech Republic.
In many countries, women and families can choose from several safe models of maternity care. In the Czech Republic, however, the only clearly established legal option for most women is to give birth in a hospital—regardless of individual circumstances, needs, and preferences. As a result, some families who do not find hospital-based care appropriate for them seek alternatives outside the system, where timely access to appropriate care and seamless transfer pathways may not always be assured. This can increase avoidable risks.
APODAC works to expand safe, evidence-informed options for maternity care and to support models of care that are widely recommended internationally. We build on what already works well in the Czech system, while promoting modern, evidence-based approaches that have been implemented successfully in other countries.
Our goals
We work to introduce additional models of maternity care that are still not available in the Czech Republic, even though international evidence and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance clearly show that there is more than one safe way to support labour and birth.
Health systems in many European countries offer multiple pathways to childbirth without compromising quality or safety. In fact, research and clinical experience consistently support individualised care, including approaches such as continuity of midwifery care.
Our goal is to contribute to a transformation of maternity care towards care that is more humane, respectful, and tailored to individual needs. We want the Czech maternity care system to be able to offer mothers, babies, and families the best care available, aligned with recommendations from internationally recognised organisations such as WHO, ICM (International Confederation of Midwives), Midwifery Unit Network (MUNet) and others (e.g., FIGO, UNICEF, NICE, RCM).
In this way, we support sustainable improvements in quality and safety in Czech maternity care, while responding to the growing demand for safe choices that allow families to experience birth in a way that is consistent with their values and preferences.
How we work
We connect organisations and professionals who respect contemporary research and evidence-based practice—both nationally and internationally.
Drawing on best practice from countries with well-established maternity care pathways, we promote approaches that support the health and safety of women and babies, and we help disseminate standards and guidance from organisations such as WHO and ICM across the maternity care system.
We support the development of freestanding birth centres and Alongside Midwifery Units (AMUs) in the Czech Republic and provide consultancy and guidance on their planning, establishment, and service development, in line with recommendations from WHO, ICM, and MUNet.
We also organise training opportunities for midwives and maternity care professionals in the Czech Republic, led by experienced international lecturers and aligned with WHO/ICM/MUNet guidance.